Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve
Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve is a 422-acre preserve on the south bank of Big Canoe Creek, including most of the Slab Creek watershed, in northern Springville in St Clair County.
The Friends of Big Canoe Creek was organized in 2008 to lobby for the protection of the watershed, which was then under threat of development. He enjoined the support of Wendy Jackson of the Freshwater Land Trust and incorporated Big Canoe Creek Preserve Partners as a non-profit organization. Through their long efforts, the preserve land was acquired by the Forever Wild Land Trust in two tracts in 2018 and 2019.
The State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources partnered with the St Clair County Commission, the St Clair Economic Development Council, and the City of Springville to construct trails, an access road, trailhead parking and other visitor facilities. Macknally Land Design was commissioned to create a master plan for the preserve. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham provided a $25,000 grant for the preserve's entranceway.
Longtime Friends of Big Canoe Creek board president Doug Morrison was hired by the City of Springville as preserve manager in 2022. The city also hired FlowMotion Trail Builders of Anniston to construct the trails. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on March 3, 2022. The preserve opened to the public on February 3, 2024.
References
- Pappas, Carol ( ) "Long-awaited groundbreaking celebrates 422-acre nature preserve in Springville." Discover St Clair
- Vickery, Scotty ( ) "Big Canoe Creek park is set to open soon." Discover St Clair
- Gervais, Gabby (March 7, 2022) "“A dream come true”—community comes together for Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve groundbreaking." Bham Now
- Scrimsher, Terry (June 7, 2022) "Springville hires manager and design company for Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve." Trussville Tribune
- Byington, Pat (February 11, 2024) "422-acre Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve opens in Springville." Bham Now
External links
- Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve website
- Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve at springvilleparksandrec.com